Equity and Inclusion Newsletter 10

city of Dallas

Equity and Inclusion Newsletter

July 30, 2020 | Issue 2

Message from the City Manager and the Chief of Equity and Inclusion

Dear Residents of Dallas,

A month after Juneteenth celebrations took place, we would like to continue the conversation by acknowledging that Deep Ellum in fact began as a Freedman’s town. Restaurants, boutiques, and roads now cover the streets where Blacks settled after the Civil War due to its proximity to the railways. Soon after, it became a center of entertainment for Blacks and Hispanics as blues and jazz music enwrapped its every corner. They created businesses, shops, theaters, and clubs that were explored by the likes of Aaron ‘T-Bone’ Walker an African American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter known for pioneering the ‘electric blues sound’. On the corner of Elm Street proudly stands the Knight of Pythias Temple that from 1916-1939 served as a social and cultural center for the city’s African American community. The building was designed by William Sidney Pittman, who is widely recognized as Dallas’ first African American architect. The temple is being restored and converted into a mixed-use project and the building will be renamed ‘The Pittman Hotel’.

deep ellum

Via D Magazine, Deep Ellum circa 1930

The eventual destruction of Deep Ellum’s thriving Freedman’s Town was the creation of Interstate 345 in 1973 that runs through the heart of Deep Ellum.

As Dallas looks to its future, we must not forget about our past. Addressing and learning about the racial history of Dallas is essential to creating long-lasting transformative change. A paragraph is not enough to encapsulate all the achievements and hardships of the Black community of Dallas, but we hope that it is the beginning of creating a more conscious approach towards understanding the creation of our city.

This month marks the end of our Dallas City Council's recess we encourage all of our readers to participate in the process, including watching the town halls virtually to stay informed and participating in budget town halls. 

Sincerely, 

Liz and TC

                                      T.C. Broadnax                              Liz Cedillo-Pereira

                                       City Manager                      Chief of Equity and Inclusion


Dallas Testing Sites

There are two COVID-19 Community Based Testing sites in Dallas. Criteria for testing sites is as follows:

  • Persons with symptoms of potential COVID-19 infection, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea, and/or sore throat; OR
  • Anyone 65-years-old or older, OR
  • Anyone with chronic health issues (diabetes, asthma, heart issues, etc.); OR
  • Any first responders, DART drivers, healthcare workers, grocery store and essential retail store workers; OR
  • Persons with symptoms who have been actively engaged in large group settings, such as public gatherings or congregations of people, within the past fifteen (15) days

The community-based testing sites operate Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

  • University of Dallas, 1845 E. Northgate Dr. Irving, Texas 75062
    • Testing will end July 31 and be moved to Eastfield College and set to begin on August 3rd at 7 am
      • 3737 Motley Dr, Mesquite, TX 75150
      • 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Monday-Saturday
      • This location is for City of Dallas and Dallas County residents only
      • Must provide documentation of address (ex. Utility bill)
  • Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S Polk St. Dallas, Texas 75232
  • Mountain View College, 4849 W. Illinois Avenue Dallas, Texas 
    • This site will operate from  8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • No residency or ID requirements

Requirements: If you meet the criteria for COVID-19 testing, please do not delay acting. Any photo ID is sufficient including a recreation center ID, a Student ID, an ID with your name and photo. It does not need to be a government-issued ID.

The City has expanded COVID-19 testing to provide mobile testing to residents in undeserved communities without transportation. Eligible residents may schedule appointments between:

  • 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., 7 days a week by calling the UrgentCare2GO screening line at 1-888-601 0568.
  • For more information regarding the requirements for mobile testing, please click here.

There are now various drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites sponsored by the State of Texas, to find a location near you visit Texas Department of State Health Services webpage and enter your zip code.

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parkland testing

Walk-Up Locations

Walk-up locations are open Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or until testing limit is reached. No appointment required.

Waiting period up to 1 hour No restroom on site

  • Salvation Army/Pleasant Grove Corps Community Center
    • 8341 Elam Road, Dallas, TX 75217
    • 7:30AM-5:00PM
  • Red Bird Mall
    • 7222 S. Westmoreland Dallas, Tx  75237
  • Sam Tasby Middle School
    • 7001 Fair Oaks Avenue Dallas, Texas 75231

Parkland Testing Sites

Parkland Hospital has opened four community-based clinics open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment only for current Parkland patients who meet the medically necessary criteria. Patients can call the COVID-19 patient line at (214) 590-8060 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or visit www.parklandhospital.com/COVID19testing

  • For a full list of  Parkland COVID-19 testing sites click here

Additional Testing Sites

  • Walgreens, no-cost drive-thru testing site:
    • 2060 S. Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX,
    • Hours of Operation: Open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, seven days a week.
    • Requirements: Residents must complete a screening survey to determine if they qualify for a test.
    • For more information regarding eligibility and how to sign up, visit: Walgreens COVID-19 information
  • Walmart no-cost drive-thru testing site is administering COVID-19 tests at four locations:
    • Locations:
      • 15757 Coit Rd., Dallas, TX 75248
      • Belt Line Rd., DeSoto, TX 75115
      • N Garland Ave., Garland, TX 75040
      • Lakeview Pkwy., Rowlett, TX 75088
    • Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 7 am to 9pm.
    • Requirements: Residents who are interested must take a pre-screening test to see if it is necessary. Once they qualify the resident will make an appointment to get tested
    • To take a pre-screening test and set up and appointment visit Do I Need a COVID-19 test. For questions about testing call 800-635-8611.
  • CVS has opened up four new no-cost, drive thru COVID-19 locations in the North Texas region:
    • Locations: To find a location near you click here, and enter both your ZIP code and distance from your home to find a testing location near you. 
    • Hours of Operation: Patients must schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test.
    • Requirements: More information about CVS Health and their testing sites can be found at their COVID-19 resource center.
    • To schedule an appointment, patients must register here
  • Methodist Health System in-person testing system:
    • Location: 3155 W Wheatland Road, Dallas, TX 75237
    • Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9 am to 1 pm by appointment only
    • Requirements: Patients must take a pre-screening test to qualify for a COVID-19 test. To be screened for an appointment, call 214-933-8811
    • For more information, visit Methodist Health System.
  • Baylor Scott & White no-cost, drive-thru testing site:
    • Location: 4500 Spring Ave, Dallas, TX 75210. 
    • Hours of Operation: Monday- Friday 9am to 1pm appointment only.
    • Requirements: Patients must be screened in order to schedule an appointment. To be screened for an appointment, call 214-933-8811
    • For more information or to make an appointment visit the Baylor Scott & White website.
  • Kroger, no-cost drive-thru testing site:
    • City Square Parking Lot, 1610 Malcolm X Blvd., Dallas, TX 75226
    • Hours of Operation: Saturday and Monday: 8:30AM – 2:30PM. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 1:00PM-5:00PM
    • Requirements: Residents must complete a virtual pre-screening to determine if they qualify for a test. If they qualify then an email confirmation will be sent with instructions regarding the appointment. Residents must complete their paperwork before they go to their test appointment.
    • To register for a Kroger COVID-19 test, click here.
  • Foremost Family Health Centers
    • Drive thru and walk up testing
    • Location: MLK Jr. Family Clinic, 2922-B MLK Jr. Blvd, Dallas TX 75215
    • Wednesday 8am-12pm (June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29)
    • By appointment only, call 214-426-3645
    • Valid picture ID required. All ages welcome.
    • Free testing
  • ReNue Pharmacy
    • Drive-thru testing and appointments must be made through eTrueNorth’s online portal at https://www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com which will screen individuals to ensure they meet CDC eligibility for testing.
    • There is no out-of-pocket cost for the test.
    • Location: 2701 S Hampton Rd, #100, Dallas, Texas
  • Catalyst Health
    • Catalyst Health has partnered with Project Unity to bring five church testing sites to South Dallas. One site is currently open with the other four opening soon.
    • Walk-Up testing site every Thursday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. o
    • Friendship-West Baptist Church, 616 W. Kiest Blvd., Dallas, TX 75224

For up to date information regarding Dallas testing sites be sure to keep up with county updates. 

In this Newsletter

Click on any of the headings to be taken to that section.

Federal Information:

Federal Information

COBRA Health Coverage Extension

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act states that people who lose their job-based coverage because of a layoffusually have 60 days to decide whether to continue with the same coverage. However, a new ruling states that the 60 days don’t start until the end of the COVID-19 outbreak period. The date of the outbreak period hasn’t been determined yet.

  • To learn more about the COBRA extension click this article and check out the ruling here.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival’s (DACA) Update

A federal court has ordered the executive branch to begin accepting new applications for DACA programs. However, the executive branch issued a memo indicating that it is changing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, no longer accepting new applications and only allowing existing DACA recipients to renew their protections for one year

  • To learn more about the ruling click here, and for updates regarding DACA applications click here for updates from the National Immigration Law Center.

Census Portrait

Census 2020

The census bureau extended the final deadline for field data collection and self-response to October 31, 2020. Paper questionnaires have been sent to households and the Census2020 website is live. Some field operations have resumed, but not outreach events targeting hard to count populations and Census Information Centers that support non-English speakers. More information on resumption of operations is here.

  • You can see the most recent statements and COVID-19 response plans from the Census Bureau here.
  • Community members can complete the census online or by phone in 13 different languages now regardless of whether they have received a paper form in the mail. By completing the census now, community members can avoid door to door outreach.

2020 Census Jobs

It’s not too late to apply for a temporary part-time position with the 2020 Census. Apply to earn extra income and help your community.

  • For more information on the positions or to apply click the link here

 

State Information

Governor Abbott Announces eLearning Funding for Texas Students

elearning

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the State of Texas will allocate $200 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the purchase of eLearning devices and home internet solutions to enable remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic for Texas students that lack connectivity. With this funding, the TEA will purchase and distribute devices, hotspots, routers, and more based on specific needs identified by local education agencies (LEAs). The funding would be used to establish a reimbursement program with a matching fund component tied to locally controlled Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) or LEA local funding.

  • To learn more about the initiative click here.
  • And for more updates regarding learning this upcoming fall semester click here for updates from the Texas Education Agency,

Environmental Justice in Texas

In 2019 The American Lung Association released its “State of the Air” reported that “Texas [had] three cities in the 25 most-polluted list: Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and El Paso.” COVID-19 has led to a relaxation of environmental enforcement on behalf of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The Texas observer reported that “six weeks after the agency asked employees to work from home… TCEQ pursued 20 percent fewer violation of environmental laws than it did during the same period in 2019.” As the pandemic continues its course, the disproportionate effects the virus leaves behind only continue to be exposed. The Office of Resilience is committed to promoting environmental sustainability to improve public health and alleviate adverse environmental conditions. It all begins with knowledge and understanding how environmental inequity affects everyone differently.

  • To read more about the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality lax environmental regulation enforcement click here.
  • To read the American Lung Associations’ ‘State of the Air’ report click here.

Local Information

Arts and Culture

Mygration Exhibit

DMA MyIgration Exhibit

Inspired by the diversity of Dallas, this installation of works in the Center for Creative Connections (C3) traces the migration of people, objects, and ideas in art across times and cultures. Composed of works from the DMA’s collection, My|gration highlights the contributions of artists who immigrated to the United States, examines how the movement of people is expressed through art, and illuminates ways cross-cultural connections inform artistic production. Changes to immigration policy and the recognition that nearly a quarter of all Dallas residents were born in a different country together inspired My|gration. The exhibition was developed by the DMA’s Education department with input from Museum visitors, local artists, and community organizations.

  • To watch the exhibition click here.

Staff of Asclepsias Exhibition

A new exhibition by artist Erik DeLuca at Sweet Pass Sculpture Park in Dallas pays homage to the migration of millions of monarch butterflies moving through Texas on their way north. The work features a light and sound installation that plays daily at dawn and dusk, along with a rendition of “Sunrise, Sunset” from Fiddler on the Roof. Suspended above the ground, the sculpture gestures toward the path followed by the monarch, Texas’ state insect, from Mexico to Canada.

  • To learn more about the click here for an article about Sweet Pass Culture click here for the article and here for more information from the artist.

Criminal Justice

Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

While the novel coronavirus poses an enormous threat to public health, our prisons, jails, juvenile detention centers, and other justice system facilities face a heightened risk of a devastating outbreak. Texas leaders must safely reduce the number of people incarcerated and protect those who remain locked up from the devastating impact of COVID-19.

  • To learn more about how to help the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition click here.

Community Building

cs wishlist wednesday

City Square

CitySquare has grown into a broad nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive array of social services that address four key areas related to the persistence of poverty: hunger, health, housing, and hope. Together, their social service programs provide more than 50,000 human touches in Dallas and Paris, Texas.

  • To learn more about City Square and their Wishlist Wednesday click here.

Education

CS4 Dallas

Dallas Independent School District has committed to CS4Dallas, an initiative designed to create computer science education for every student K-12. The goal of the initiative is to empower all Dallas students to learn computer science and be equipped with the computational thinking skills they need to be creators, not just consumers, in the digital economy. CS4 Dallas offers various curriculums for k-12 students on their site, including more access to coding resources by way of Code.org

  • To access CS4 and learn more about their initiatives click here.

Pre-School At-Home Learning

PBS Kids is offering literacy, math, and science activities to help parents continue their child’s remote education. Additionally, PBS KIDS' new weekday newsletter offers activities and tips you can use to help kids play and learn at home.

  • To access PBS Kids pre-school activities click here.
  • To sign up for their newsletter click here.
pbs

COVID-19 and Remote Learning

Education week has compiled an article for educators and students that outlines important considerations and changes that they must make in order to adapt to the uncertainty of developing information from school officials.

  • To learn more about how to adapt to remote learning click here.

African American and Mexican American Courses

If you are interested in taking either the African American or Mexican American Studies course in the 2020-2021 school year, please fill out this form. The Dallas ISD Racial Equity Office will share the information with your counselors, and a counselor from your school will contact you about scheduling the course. 

  • To fill out the courses survey click here.

The Hajj of Malcolm X: An Eid Al-Adha Celebration

Please join the Dallas Public Library and the Islamic Circle of North America for a lovely afternoon of discussion and learning - digitally! Hosted by ICNA Dallas, join them as they explore how the pilgrimage to Mecca enlightened Malcolm X's views on racism.

  • To sign up for the event click here.

Employment Resources

Office Assistant @SouthFair CDC

SouthFair Community Development Corp on MLK, Jr. Blvd, 75215, has an opening for an Office Assistant responsible for the professional and efficient management of visitors, residents, phone calls, and a variety of clerical duties. Must have office, computer, and Microsoft Office skills, among other qualifications.

  • For more information contact SouthFair at: 214-421-1363.

Spectrum Virtual Hiring

Spectrum continues the hiring process virtually for their call center, corporate, sales, and technology sectors. Their application experience portal gives prospective employees tips on completing the online application and having a great interview.

  • To browse their job openings click here.
  • To receive information regarding their online application process click here.
spectrum

Work in Texas

Work in Texas offers job seekers immediate and continuous access to job matching services. Job seekers can also browse thousands of job postings, including all Texas state agency jobs, refer themselves to open positions, complete résumés and/or state applications and maintain them online.

  • For more information on their services follow this link

Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas

Workforce Solutions offers an extensive job search database where you can look for jobs both locally and throughout the State of Texas. Their resource rooms are available so residents can search for work, call employers, or copy important documents required for job applications. They also offer several workshops providing the latest tips in resume writing, interviewing, and job search.

  • To access their resources follow this link

Food

North Texas Food Bank

The North Texas Food Bank has launched a food bank locator with fellow partner agencies to help Texans find food banks near them. Visit the locator and enter your zip code for a food bank near you.

  • The North Texas Food Bank has a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assistance program run by the Social Services Assistance Navigators. This program will help residents fill out and complete their SNAP applications. For more information email snap@ntfb.org.

Metrocrest Services

Metrocrest Services provides a wide range of emergency aid, financial assistance, and services to support independent living for individuals, families and seniors.  They serve individuals living in:

  • Carrollton
  • Farmers Branch
  • Addison
  • Coppell
  • the city of Dallas in Denton County

During your scheduled appointment one of our case managers will conduct a confidential interview to determine level of need and eligibility for services.

  • To find out more information about their initiatives click here.

Minnie’s Food Pantry 

This non-profit organization provides healthy meals, educational resources and red-carpet treatment to every person that they serve. For many, Minnie’s Food Pantry is the first line of defense so a person can have a meal. They are proud to serve every zip code and all those in need, regardless of geographic boundaries, gender, race or religion.

  • Location: 661 18th Street Plano, Texas 75074
  • Hours of Operation: 8:30am-11:30am Wednesday-Saturday, closed every 5th Saturday
  • Requirements: Provide one acceptable form of identification, one acceptable form of verification, and a vehicle to pick up food.
  • For more information call 972.596.0253 or follow this link.
minnies

Food for Families with Students

Dallas Park and Recreation

Dallas Park and Recreation has partnered with Kids Bring Life to provide FREE lunches to the communities at 18 of their Recreation Centers. Beginning Monday, July 13th, lunches will be served Monday-Friday, between 10am-1pm (or while supplies last each day) through Friday, August 21st. See below for 18 Recreation Center Locations.

  • To learn more about this initiative, click here.

            Texas Department of Agriculture

The Texas Department of Agriculture has linked a school meal finder on their website in order to allow families to find the closest healthy, no-cost meals for your students.

  • Click this link,enter your address and find the nearest pick-up location to you and their hours of operation.

Dallas Independent School District

The Dallas Independent School District in association with School Leadership, Food & Child Nutrition Services is committed to offering meal service at no cost while Dallas ISD remains closed. Meal service will continue through the summer break. Meals will be served at strategic locations throughout the district.

  • Please visit Dallas ISD’s website for more information.

Health

Office of Resilience Personal Protective Equipment Packs

The Office of Resilience (@ResilientDAL) has prepared personal protective equipment packs for distribution. The packs include the following:

  •  (1) Touchless Thermometer
  • (50) Face Covering Packets (each packet contains 5 single-use face coverings and information cards)

Due to a limited supply, this distribution is limited to the following whose primary location is in the City of Dallas:

  • Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE)
  • Childcare Providers and Facilities
  • Religious Institutions (church, mosque, synagogue)

Complete this form (https://bit.ly/2Pcbrod) to request PPE. Once we have received the completed form and verified the information, a member of our team will contact you to coordinate. All requests must be picked up from City Hall on August 7 at 2:00 pm.

  • Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Genesis D. Gavino, Resilience Officer at officeofresilience@dallascityhall.com.

Office of Community Care: Community Health Care

The City of Dallas Office of Community Care (OCC) is seeking non-profit agencies through an open application process to serve as subrecipients for the purpose of administering  Mental Health Programs and services throughout the Dallas city limits to residents who have been impacted by COVID-19 and who are low income, which is defined as at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) under a short-term subrecipient agreement. Organizations should target populations that have been most impacted by COVID-19, including 1) communities with high rates of COVID-19, 2) seniors, 3) families with children and adolescents, 4) individuals who have lost employment or are otherwise income insecure and/or 4) populations identified in the “Drivers of Poverty” report (Attachment D) and should serve residents living in communities of concentrated poverty. Services should be administered using a lens that will advance racial equity whereby the organization considers specific community needs, historical and current lack of access or resources, and structural or institutional barriers that impact the targeted community. The application will remain open until the $1,000,000 in CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds for Community Mental Health is fully committed and/or no longer available.

  • To access this opportunity login or register on bonfire, the City’s online solicitation portal.
  • If you have any questions please call 214.671.8287
here for texas1

Mental Health Navigation Line

The Here for Texas Mental Health Navigation Line is a free helpline offering guidance, information, resources, and support for mental health and substance use issues. If you’re seeking resources for yourself or for a patient, client, student, family member, or friend give them a call, mental health navigators can help.


Housing

Dallas County HHS Emergency Housing Assistance Program

The Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) is to provide: Short-term rental, mortgage, and utility assistance to low income Dallas County residents living outside of the City of Dallas economically affected (loss/reduction of income) by the spread of COVID-19.

  • Applications will be processed through a lottery system
  • DCHHS will begin reaccepting pre-screening applications online Friday, July 24, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. (CT) and close the pre-screening application process Thursday, August 20, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. (CT).
  • Once open, DCHHS will also accept pre-screening applications by phone at (214) 819-1968, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (CT)
  • The pre-screening application form is available in English and Spanish
  • Length of assistance will not exceed 3 months
  • For more information about EHAP, click here.

Eviction Assistance

Dallas County - Tenant Hotline:

harmony

Harmony Resource Center

Harmony CDC, affiliated w/Concord Baptist Church, is part of the Dallas Rental Assistance Collaboration (DRAC)is currently providing rent, mortgage, or utility assistance for households impacted by COVID-19.

  • Complete the pre-screening application online here.
  • To learn about the resources available for COVID-19, click here

Texas Utility Assistance Program
Low-income families who need help paying their energy bills can get help thru CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program. Funds go to the energy provider. Low-cost weatherization and energy-efficiency repairs also available.

  • For more information contact the Community Council of Greater Dallas at 214.871.5065; or Dallas County Health & Human Services at 214.819.1848.
  • To be directed to their website, click here

Small Business Support

LISC Small Business Relief Grants
 If you have a small business that has been negatively impacted by COVID-19, and serves a community benefit you may be eligible to apply for a grant. Other requirements and stipulations apply. This grant is being sponsored by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).

  • Application Deadline: August 3, 2020.
  • To register and receive more information click here.  

Dallas County Emergency Business Assistance Program

Dallas County believes in the power of small business. The goal of the Emergency Business Assistance Program (EBAP) is to quickly provide eligible small businesses up to $50,000 in emergency financial assistance in the form of a forgivable loan.  Businesses must meet eligibility requirements, including being located in Dallas County (except the City of Dallas) and demonstrate a decrease in revenue of at least 25% due to COVID-19. Pre-applications will be accepted through July 26, 2020 - so act fast.

  • For more information, click here.

Dallas Regional Chamber

The Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC) is sharing best practices and highlighting our members’ expertise in shaping the future of work. The first phase will focus on the near-term policy and practical information necessary for a responsible return, but they are also sharing information and convening experts on the long-term evolution of work and workplaces.

  • To visit their “Back to Work” resource hub, click this link.

Dallas Forward         

Dallas Forward is a coalition of private and public partners dedicated to inclusive growth through the support of small business during COVID and beyond. Together they have created an online resource hub to streamline access to the support services available in our community, including funding resources and technical assistance through coaching services.

Need PPE Supplies? Dallas Forward: COVID-19 help for small and medium businesses in Dallas. Short term recovery for long term prosperity. Access free PPE Supplies - Request free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your business!

  • To access PPE supplies, click here.
  • For access to the online resource hub, click this link

Dallas Economic Development

For access to the resources follow thisThe City of Dallas is closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on the small business community, working closely with our local, state and federal partners. Economic Development has listed COVID small business support and information that will help you navigate these challenging times.

  • For access to the resources follow this link.